It was bound to happen, so I thought I would start a thread that talks about the similarities and the differences we notice between this game (Mystery Express) and the other detective games we're familiar with.

Days of Wonder is very deliberate about the games they choose to produce, so I believe there is something special about this new game that sets it apart from other detective games aside from the obvious fact that this game takes place on a train while the others are in buildings (an abbey and a mansion).

So far we don't know that much about how the game works. We have some clues (which is fitting for a mystery game) about some of the elements and we have a quick overview. So far, has anyone noticed an element that really stands out to them as unique to Mystery Express?

The fact there are multiple cards for each suspect/weapon/motive etc. seems to make things a bit more interesting than in Cluedo, where as soon as you see a card, you can eliminate it. In that respect, it's more similar to mystery of the Abbey, where you can ask questions for information (how many Benedictines...) which may or may not actually provide you with any information.

We also now know that each player will have to pick a character to represent, each with a special power - sounds a bit like shadows over Camelot.

We also now know that each player will have to pick a character to represent, each with a special power - sounds a bit like shadows over Camelot.

I thought the same thing! It also looks like the different rooms (or in this case, Train Cars) give you different opportunities to ask questions or look at cards.

The other major difference I noticed between this and other mystery games is the time limit imposed on the players...you have to solve the murder before the train arrives at its destination. Sounds like a lot of fun from what I know so far!

The art deco design of this looks beautiful. I'm likely to buy it on that basis alone. One concern I have is that it be HARDER than Clue. I loved Clue as a kid, but when I played it recently with my kids I was disappointed - it seemed dull and too simple. What is the rec. age range for Mystery Express? Also, can you compare it to Spy Alley? That's a deduction game for kids that is clearly a step or two above Clue in complexity. Thanks!

BTW -The real Orient Express of today is a super-luxury experience. The cheap tickets are several thousand dollars and full evening wear is required at supper. For that kind of money, I bet they do manage to keep it punctual.

BTW -The real Orient Express of today is a super-luxury experience. The cheap tickets are several thousand dollars and full evening wear is required at supper. For that kind of money, I bet they do manage to keep it punctual.

Which is why I think it's so amazing that Days of Wonder is sending some lucky and talented Ticket to Ride player (the winner of the World Championship) on the train! What an amazing grand prize!!

Fortunately it isn't from London or you could invoke that Chunnel delay rule...LOL!!

Actually the modern (Venice Simplon) Orient Express do run from London.
The least expensive ticket will let you take the train from London to Paris for only £475
and from there you can continue to Instanbul for another £4705.

The press release states that the game includes a "train whistle" (function unknown). Assuming that it has a use similar to the mass bell in Mystery of the Abbey, I hope it's of better quality. We replaced the mass bell after our first game because no one could hear it.

The press release states that the game includes a "train whistle" (function unknown). Assuming that it has a use similar to the mass bell in Mystery of the Abbey, I hope it's of better quality. We replaced the mass bell after our first game because no one could hear it.

Good catch, I hadn't even noticed that the game included a train whistle. Sadly I'm not familiar with Mystery of the Abbey since I don't own it, so I don't know what the mass bell does in that game...could you enlighten me?

Briefly: The mass bell is used for calling the monks (players) to mass every 4 turns, when they go to the chapel and each gives one or more suspect cards to the player on his left and one event card is drawn and read. The bell is held by the 1st player in a turn along with the deck of Mass cards. This player is responsible for moving the mass bell to the next number (1-4) on the top Mass card at the beginning of each turn and for calling the mass if the number is already at 4. After the mass, the bell and mass deck pass to the right to the new 1st player.

A penance (spending a turn praying in the chapel) is applied to the first player if he forgets to move the Mass bell (or call mass every fourth turn) at the beginning of his turn, before moving his pawn.

I admit it isn't strictly necessary to hear the bell since the current 1st player can just call "It's time for mass." But it does add to the atmosphere of the game and it looks ridiculous to wave a little dollop of brass whose sound is almost nil.

Thanks for the info about the Bell. I looked at some pictures of the game over on BGG and saw a photo of the whistle from this game. It looks like it's just a piece for the game and doesn't actually make any sound. Maybe they figured it would get too annoying to hear a whistle all the time!

The rules indicate that the whistle is used as a "starting player" marker, and from the picture of it, it wouldn't make a noise. Too bad - being able to distract your opponents would be a great benifit to the starting player.